CHINA DELIGHTS 12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS BY LAND AND AIR

TOUR SUMMARY: China, curator of the world’s oldest continuous civilization, is a country that boasts the most populous nation on earth. Our 12 days in this fascinating land offers an ideal combination – highlighting the imperial city of Beijing, the world famous Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, the beautiful river vistas of Guilin, and the cosmopolitan attractions of Shanghai.

SEPTEMBER 1ST - 12TH, 2017

12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS $2999 USD - 3% Membership privilege of $90 = $2909 USD plus domestic flights of approx. $770 USD Room sharing is available - single supplement $845 USD

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO HONG KONG AVAILABLE.

Small group tour - Max 16 Brave Women

04 Days/3 Nights Independent Tour $1320 USD Single Supplement $540 USD Domestic Flight $395 USD

Deposit required immediately: $850 plus $770 for domestic flights Balance due: 90 days prior to departure: June 1st, 2017 Does not include International flights into China or Insurance (highly recommended)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Touring the Garden of Virtuous Harmony • Learn about the life of the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi in Beijing” • Taking a Tai Chi class with a female instructor • Making traditional “Jiaozi” dumplings with a Chinese hostess in her home • Enjoying a Tea Ceremony with historical commentary on its significance to society • Visiting the Terracotta warriors were made at Xi’an and learning about famous female warriors

DAY 1 BEIJING (D) Welcome to the capital of the People's Republic of China, a vibrant, modern city with a strong culture and heritage. Second in size and population after Shanghai, Beijing is the political and cultural center of the country . On arrival at Beijing International Airport you will be warmly greeted by our local representatives escorted to our private vehicle for the drive to our city center hotel. Once in your room, you are free to relax for the rest of the day . This evening we will join for an informal group dinner.

DAY 2 BEIJING (B, D) Today we embark on a full day tour of Beijing – the single greatest repository of monuments and treasures from the imperial era. The history of Beijing and its 34 emperors can be traced back 500,000 years, thanks to the discovery of “Peking Man” in 1929, about 50 kilometers southwest of the city. We’ll visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, where one million students rallied for democracy in 1989. Originally built in 1651, the square was quadrupled in size in 1958 to its present size. Each flagstone is numbered so that parade units can line up in perfect formation. Forbidden City – a huge complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens – was built during the period 1406 to 1420 for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering 170 acres, with about 9,000 rooms, the Palace Museum showcases such riches as antiques, clocks and jewels. In the afternoon we will tour the Summer Palace. During the late Qing Dynasty this was the retreat for the imperial family and court, looking to escape Beijing's summer heat. Originally created as a garden by Emperor Qianlong, it was destroyed and plundered during the Second Opium War in 1860. In 1888 the notorious Dowager Empress Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to rebuild this opulent summer retreat for herself. We will hear more about the famous woman ruler in Chinese history as we tour the Garden of Virtuous Harmony. While here, we’ll enjoy a short boat ride on Kunming Lake. After dinner tonight we will take in a performance of the Peking Opera. Considered to be the highest achievement of Chinese cultural development, the opera combines song and dialog with stylized, symbolic gestures and movements. Because a special dialect is spoken that can be difficult to understand, most theatres in Beijing display subtitles in both English and standard Mandarin.

DAY 3 BEIJING (B, D) The Great Wall at one time stretched 6,500 kilometers (4,000 miles) across the border between China and the Hun Territories in the north. It started as a series of earthworks and was connected in the Qin Dynasty (221 to 206 BC), with each dynasty adding to the height, width, and length of the wall. During the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), the watch towers were redesigned, the brick and granite reworked and cannons added. Armies were garrisoned along the length of the wall to provide warning of invasions. Signal fires were used to tell the next tower where an invasion was about to happen. We will enter the Great Wall at the Mutianyu Gate. Here, you see the Great Wall in all its awe-inspiring former glory, as it winds through gorgeous mountain scenery. The top is reached by a gondola chair lift (Optional and not included in the package price), offering incredible views along the way. An easy mile or so walk brings you to another lift with the option to go back down (Optional and not included in the package price) , or for a more adventurous transport, you can purchase a ticket for the alpine slide (Optional and not included in the package price). We’ll also visit the Changling Tomb from the Ming Dynasty. Though influenced by many different cuisines and cooking techniques from all over China, Beijing is known for several characteristic dishes. The most famous is Peking Duck – roasted and rolled in a pancake with hoisin sauce and leeks. Tonight we will dine on this must-have treat, the tasty signature dish of Beijing.

DAY 4 BEIJING (B, D) An invigorating way to start the day is with a morning Tai Chi lesson, the ancient art form of using meditative focus and slowly coordinated movement for reducing stress and maintaining optimum health. A Tai Chi Master will lead our class in the serene setting of the Temple of Heaven. Afterwards, we’ll visit the main halls of the Temple, completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was hit by lightning in 1889 and then completely restored. It is amazing to note that no nails or pegs were used in the original construction or in the restoration! Next, we’ll get to know a more intimate side of ancient Beijing on a Hutong Tour by Rickshaw. A Hutong is an alley that was left between courtyards to enable convenient passage. These lanes often contain shared facilities for the local residents, such as cooking and washing. There are thousands of such hutongs in Beijing, surrounding the Forbidden City. Many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) Dynasties. We’ll stop at a central square where we can soak up neighborhood life, visit a market and watch the locals playing mahjong. Another highlight of today is the opportunity to enjoy a Tea Ceremony with a Chinese hostess. We will also be guests for a Home Hospitality Dinner, where we will learn the art of making Chinese dumplings, followed by sharing the meal together with her family.

DAY 5 BEIJING - XI’AN (B, L, D) In the morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital city of China for 11 dynasties, and eastern gateway to Marco Polo’s Silk Road. More than 3,000 years of history have endowed Xi’an with an amazing historical heritage. Only in recent years has Xi'an become well-known outside of China, owing to the 1974 discovery of the astonishing burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (3rd century BC). To the north of the city lie the rugged Western Hills, dotted with ancient tombs and the Wei River which forms a natural boundary. The entire region south of the river is fertile, suitable for growing cotton and coarse grains. The city's impressive medieval walls and wide avenues are laid out in an orderly grid pattern. On arrival in Xi’an we will visit the ancient city walls and then tour the Shaanxi Historical Museum. Its fabulous collection reflects the most flourishing period of feudal glory. Neolithic ceramics, terracotta statuary, and Tang Dynasty gold and silver objects are some of the masterpieces on display that showcase the cultural development of Shaanxi from 150,000 years ago to the year 1840. At the Wild Goose Pagoda, we’ll view this symbol of old-line Xi’an from the outside. Today it stands as a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Later, we’ll check in to the famous 4 star Bell Tower Hotel. Located in the booming downtown area of Xian, The Bell Tower Hotel and overlooks the historical Bell Tower, a building from the Ming Dynasty. To the east, is Business Street, to the south is Ancient Street, the west adjoins Ming/Qing Dynasty Street and in the west is Yingbin Avenue. Each room is equipped with TV, air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, high speed Internet access, and hairdryer in the private bathroom. Additional amenities include Chinese & Western style restaurants, Gymnasium, Business Center and Beauty Salon.

DAY 6 XI’AN (B, L, D) This morning we see the world famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an impressive legion of thousands of life-size statues that have been guarding the emperor's burial site for over 2,000 years. In 1974, a group of peasants digging a well in Lintong County, about 30 km east of Xi'an, accidentally made one of the century's greatest archeological discoveries. What they stumbled upon has resulted in an estimated 8,000 figures that have thus far been identified. Our visit includes the studio where a demonstration on how the Terracotta soldiers were once made. A circular vision movie on the exhibit is followed by touring the excavation sites and seeing the regal Bronze Chariot and Horses. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll stop at a Chinese Herb Market to see the fascinating array of herbs that have been used in healing for thousand years. After some free time at the hotel, we’ll depart for an entertaining evening, with a traditional Jiaozi dumpling dinner and a Tang Dynasty Show.

DAY 7 XI’AN - GUILIN (B) Our morning flight to Guilin brings us to the city hailed by many as the most beautiful in China. Here, the natural beauty of the Karst Mountains and meandering Lijiang (or Li) River are a sight to behold. The name Guilin means “the cassia tree forest” because in autumn the sweet fragrance of the cassia flowers fills the air all around. The well-known highlight of the city is its surreal river landscape of limestone pinnacles that rise hundreds of feet above the crystal-clear water like fingers pointing skywards. This afternoon we visit Reed Flute Cave, named after the reeds growing around the cave mouth, with its fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. At Elephant Trunk Hill, we’ll see one of the most famous rock formations that symbolize the city, so named because of its resemblance to an elephant's sipping water from the river with its trunk. Our hotel for the next two nights is in Guilin.

DAY 8 LI RIVER CRUISE (B, L) The city of Guilin was founded during the Qin Dynasty in 314 BC as a small settlement on the Li River. It became increasingly important following the construction of a canal joining the river with another one further north, providing a transport link with the Yangtze. The imperial court could thus send food and provisions by water from the Yangtze plains to its armies in the far south. The town became the provincial capital in the Ming Dynasty and remained so until 1914 when the capital was moved to Nanking. Today we enjoy a spectacular cruise along the river from Guilin to Yangshuo. The scenery is breathtaking, as mist-covered jagged mountains loom before you, and quaint villages dot the riverbanks. See humped limestone peaks, fishermen astride bamboo rafts and grazing water buffaloes. As our boat passes through the Luogu Rapids, listen for the sound of the rushing water that is said to resemble gongs and drums. Further along looms Folded Brocade Hill, with its multi-colored vegetation, and Crescent Moon Hill, whose summit contains a cave shaped like a half moon. We’ll dock in Yangshuo, located about 65 km (40 miles) from Guilin, set dramatically amidst the limestone mountains for which the area is famous. From late afternoon into evening, we’ll have free time to enjoy its small town ambiance, to visit its lively market, and to have dinner on our own in one of many excellent local restaurants on the main road. As night falls, we’ll regroup and take our seats for the show, at which point the town is transformed and the Li River becomes a spectacular stage. The actors (usually 600 of them!) are all local villagers. The Karst landscape is lit up and the Impression Liu Sanjie Show begins. Created by the man who directed the 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, it is a sight to behold. Afterwards we’ll return by coach to Guilin.

DAY 9 GUILIN - SHANGHAI (B) This morning we bid Guilin farewell and depart on a morning flight to Shanghai. Situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential center in China for economics, finance, culture, science, technology and international trade. Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew to importance in the 19th century due to its favorable port location and as one of the cities opened to foreign trade by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. On arrival we will be met at the airport and immediately introduced to this thriving metropolis. We’ll tour the Shanghai Museum, home to China's most sensational collection of treasures that are beautifully displayed on several floors. Works of art from all Chinese periods are represented. Of special note are the collections of ancient bronzes, exquisitely carved jade and ceramics. Not to be missed is a walk along the city's famous waterfront promenade, The Bund, where we’ll see beautiful buildings and wharves from the late 19th century to the present. Also nicknamed as "Shanghai's Wall Street," this area on the west bank of Huangpu River offers one of the most magnificent landscapes in the city. In the afternoon we will check-in at the hotel in Shanghai. Following time to relax and settle into your room, we'll meet up for dinner in the city.

DAY 10 SHANGHAI (B, L) Our exploration of Shanghai continues this morning, starting at the city's tranquil Yu Garden. This is one of the most celebrated classical Chinese gardens in Shanghai. Centered around the garden is a delightfully restored labyrinth of tiny specialty shops, and tea and snack houses – a fascinating spot to people -watch over a pot of tea, to shop for unique souvenirs and to get a feeling for Old Shanghai. The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two rare statues of Buddha carved out of a single piece of white jade . One depicts Buddha at the moment of his enlightenment, and the other as he is passing into Nirvana. The statues were brought from Burma by a Chinese monk in 1890, eight years after the temple's construction. The rest of the day is left open for you to enjoy at leisure, perhaps to go shopping or take in other sights of the city. Our escort will be on hand to assist with your personal interests or to coordinate a group activity on an optional basis. And as you are free for dinner, you may wish to explore Xintiandi, one of Shanghai's premier entertainment areas with a multitude of restaurants and a teeming nightlife or head to Nanjing Road, the most famous shopping street that runs from The People Park to The Bund. And of course The Bund at night is where chic restaurants, top-end shops and lively bars transform the riverfront into a magical setting!

DAY 11 ZHUJIAJIAO (B, L, D) The ancient water village of Zhujiajiao has more than 1700 years of history. Covering an area of 47 square kilometers, the little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains . Endowed with another elegant name, Pearl Stream, the town is the best-preserved among the four ancient water towns in Shanghai. The bridges of Zhujiajiao are its most distinctive feature, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The old town is thoroughly connected to by 36 delicate spans in different shapes and styles, from wooden to stone to marble. A morning spent here is a step back to a time of antiquity and tranquility. When we return to Shanghai the balance of your final afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. In the evening we ’ll regroup for a festive farewell dinner in a local restaurant, followed by very special entertainment. In China they say that every minute an acrobat spends on stage requires ten years of training. Indeed, a Chinese Acrobatics Show features astonishingly limber performers practicing feats of strength, balance and skill. Though the origins of the performance art are unknown, many believe that acrobatics developed from martial arts exhibitions and date back as early as the Neolithic period.

DAY 12 SHANGHAI (B) Today you will be transferred back to Shanghai International Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES -Private Airport/Hotel Transfers -Accommodation in above mentioned hotels or similar on double sharing basis -Licensed, English-Speaking Local guides -Transfers & Transportation in Modern, Air-Conditioned Vehicles -Breakfast daily -5 Lunches in Local Restaurants -4 Dinners in Local Restaurants -1 Home Dinner with a Family -2 Specialty Dinners: Peking Duck and Tang Dynasty -Sightseeing & entrance fees as per the itinerary

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE -International/Domestic airfare -Items of a personal nature -Tips and gratuities -Beverages with meals -Meals not specified on the itinerary -Travel Insurance (highly recommended) -Optional tours and activities -Passport and Visa Fees

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Flights per person USD 770 (Beijing to Xian, Xian to Guilin and Guilin to Shanghai) Please note airfare pricing and availability are not guaranteed until ticketed!

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION 11 Nights Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis Accommodation Information Capital Hotel Our Rating: 5 Local Rating: 5 Accommodation Type: Superior City: Beijing The Capital Hotel (Beijing Shoudu Dajiudian) is located in the Chongwen area near the Wangfujing shopping district of central Beijing, It is near the China Museum of History, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, and a short drive to the Summer Palace. It is also close to the Great Hall of the People and many government buildings, as well as the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park.

The 20-story hotel offers 596 contemporary guestrooms, equipped with satellite TV with premium channels and pay movies, high-speed Internet, direct-dial phone, complimentary newspaper, and in-room safe, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, mini-bar, and climate control. Bathrooms include handheld showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and makeup /shaving mirrors. Irons, ironing boards, infant beds, rollaway beds, wheelchair accessible rooms and wake -up calls can be requested. All guestrooms are non-smoking.

The Capital Hotel property features an indoor pool, restaurants, bar/lounge, coffee shop/café, casino, concierge services, currency exchange, ATM, tour assistance, business center, secretarial services, limo/town car service, indoor pool, health club, sauna, steam room, tennis court, and fitness facility. Event facilities include conference rooms, a ballroom, banquet facilities, and meeting rooms. An airport shuttle is available for a surcharge.

For information on all hotels please contact me and I will forward the file. It’s just too much to add in here.

SIGHTSEEING AND SPECIAL EVENTS AT A GLANCE In Beijing: See Tiananmen Square Tour the Forbidden City Visit The Summer Palace Take a Boat Ride on Kunming Lake See the Exhibit of the Dowager Empress Cixi Tour the Garden of Virtuous Harmony Enjoy a Peking Opera Performance Walk Along the Great Wall at Mutianyu Visit the Changling Tomb See the Temple of Heaven Take a Tai Chi Lesson with a Master Tour a Hutong Neighborhood by Rickshaw Carriage Participate in a Tea Ceremony Learn to Make Chinese Dumplings

In Xi’an: Visit the Ancient City Wall Stop at the Wild Goose Pagoda Tour the Shaanxi Historical Museum See the Terracotta Warriors, Bronze Chariot and Horses Learn about Ancient Medicines in a Chinese Herb Market Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Show

SIGHTSEEING AND SPECIAL EVENTS AT A GLANCE In Guilin: Visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo View the Impression Liusanjie Show on the River

In Shanghai: Take a City Highlights Tour Walk along the Bund Tour the Shanghai Museum Visit Yu Garden See the Jade Buddha Temple Spend a Morning in the Water Village of Zhujiaojiao Take a Short Cruise on the City Canal Enjoy a Chinese Acrobats Performance

SEPT 12TH - 15TH, 2017 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS From USD $ 1320 USD - 2% membership privilege of $26 = $1294 Deposit of $350 due immediately + Domestic Flights of $395 Balance due June 1st, 2017 Single Supplement $540 USD Domestic Flights $395 USD

WOW CHINA - HONG KONG EXTENSION DESCRIPTION Hong Kong is a unique meeting place for East and West, blending Chinese heritage, British colonial influences, high-tech modernity and Cantonese gusto. Chinese and English are the official languages. Navigate its teeming, tightly packed sidewalks and you’re met at every turn with neon signage, steam-filled canteens, molasses-slow traffic and a babbel of chatter. Hong Kong has become a world-class financial, trading and business center. Skyscrapers and temples, shopping malls and traditional markets sit side by side. However, amid the urban hustle there are quiet parks and green spaces, beaches and mountain-top views. Utterly safe and fantastically well organised, it offers little moments of perfection. You may find them on a plastic stool enjoying a bargain bowl of beef brisket soup or simply gazing at the thrilling harbour vistas. If it’s pampering and shopping you’re after, money can buy the ultimate luxuries in a city that is home to the most famous brand names. Hong Kong is an experience not to be missed!

DAY 1 HONG KONG (B) On arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in your shared motor coach. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore. After an authentic Dim Sum lunch you will be introduced to the island with a detailed walking architectural tour of Central Hong Kong from colonial edicies by the waterfront to the totemic skyscrapers of modern times, finishing on Hollywood Road where contemporary art galleries vie for space with antique dealers. The day will include an ascent to the Mid-Levels on the world’s longest escalator and a trip on the funicular Peak Tram climbing to Victoria Peak where you enjoy expansive views over the financial hub and harbor. At Aberdeen Harbor, we board a sampan to retrace the original landing path of the British Lord Aberdeen to Hong Kong and sail through a flotilla of Hakka boat people that still call this harbor home. An open city with a wonderful natural harbor, Hong Kong is the meeting place of various cultures that blend harmoniously with Chinese traditions and exotic influences. From Yum Cha (tea and dim sum) in the morning to a moonlit view from the top of Victoria Peak or stunning nighttime harbor cruise, mingling with shoppers in the numerous malls and markets around Tsim Sha Tsui, tasting delicacies at dai pai dong, taking a trip in a sampan or high speed ferry, you can be assured that Hong Kong deliver an unforgettable experience.

DAY 02 HONG KONG (B) Today is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. Or go on an optional Fun Kitchen Tour ($$ USD, min 2). This set of cooking lessons focuses on China’s best-known cuisine, Cantonese food. You will spend a day at the state-of-the-art Chinese Cuisine Training Institute of Hong Kong, where the city’s top chefs are trained. Morning instruction in dim sum dishes will be followed in the afternoon with lessons in making other delectable Cantonese favorites. A sampling lunch will be provided in the Institute’s Sky Lounge that is also home to the members-only Hong Kong Dining Society. Day 03: Hong Kong (B, D) Enjoy a full day to pursue your interests in this exciting locale. Kowloon has the largest concentration of shops, restaurants and museums. For shopping, the Tsim Sha Tsui district is famous, especially along bustling Nathan Road. Similarly, Ladies Street in the Mongkok district is know for bargains on trendy clothing and leather goods, as is Temple Street in the Yau Ma Tei district. Perhaps you’d like to have tea at the Peninsula Hotel, or cocktails at 181, the beautifully restored former British marine police headquarters. A walk on the promenade along Victoria Harbor is always delightful. Interested in having your fortune read? Then be sure to visit Wong Tai Sin, one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong where all three main religions - Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism - are practiced. Here, on the eve of Chinese New Year, thousands of worshippers wait outside the temple until midnight. Then they rush to the main altar and offer their glowing incense sticks as the New Year dawns. According to tradition, the earlier one offers the incense, the better luck one will have that year. Back on Hong Kong Island you can take a stroll along the waterfront and have lunch in one of the many restaurants in Stanley Village, or sample delicious dim sum at City Hall in the Central District. The choices are endless! Your farewell dinner will be served at the China Club located atop the art deco Bank of China building.

DAY 03 HONG KONG (B, D) Enjoy a full day to pursue your interests in this exciting locale. Kowloon has the largest concentration of shops, restaurants and museums. For shopping, the Tsim Sha Tsui district is famous, especially along bustling Nathan Road. Similarly, Ladies Street in the Mongkok district is know for bargains on trendy clothing and leather goods, as is Temple Street in the Yau Ma Tei district. Perhaps you’d like to have tea at the Peninsula Hotel, or cocktails at 181, the beautifully restored former British marine police headquarters. A walk on the promenade along Victoria Harbor is always delightful. Interested in having your fortune read? Then be sure to visit Wong Tai Sin, one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong where all three main religions - Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism - are practiced. Here, on the eve of Chinese New Year, thousands of worshippers wait outside the temple until midnight. Then they rush to the main altar and offer their glowing incense sticks as the New Year dawns. According to tradition, the earlier one offers the incense, the better luck one will have that year. Back on Hong Kong Island you can take a stroll along the waterfront and have lunch in one of the many restaurants in Stanley Village, or sample delicious dim sum at City Hall in the Central District. The choices are endless! Your farewell dinner will be served at the China Club located atop the art deco Bank of China building.

DAY 04 HONG KONG (B) Today you will take a shared seat on coach transfer back to Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Experience the Victoria Peak tram ride Visit the picturesque fishing village of Aberdeen Search for bargains at Stanley Market

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: -Seat in coach return airport transfers -03 nights Hotel accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotel or similar -Daily Breakfast -Seat in coach tour of Hong Kong Island with an English-Speaking Local Guide

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: -Domestic or International airfare -Items of a Personal Nature -Tips and Gratuities -Beverages with meals -Meals not specified on the itinerary -Travel Insurance (highly recommended) -Optional tours and activities -Passport and Visa Fees

BROUGHT TO YOU BY INDUS TRAVEL & WOW TRAVEL Susan James Brave Women Travel Vellinga’s Travel & Cruise Holidays 1422 Fanshawe Park Rd London, Ontario Canada 001-226-688-4750 TICO# 50016006 www.bravewomentravel.com [email protected]